Celebrating life at Barchester

Residents and staff had a fantastic time taking part in this year’s Wells City Carnival - our first ever entry. Five residents, dressed in party glasses and feather boas, rode in the brightly decorated minibus, complete with fairy lights, a disco ball, and photos showcasing activities at our home. Our theme, “Celebrating Life, Care and Community,” was proudly displayed on the bus as we waved to the cheering crowds.

We escorted other residents to join spectators, and they had fun posing for photos with performers including Mr Blobby and some very friendly dinosaurs. For 99-year-old Greta, who travelled on the minibus, it was her first carnival experience: “Well that was very enjoyable, and something very different for me!”

The idea came from our resident Jane, who once took part in her local carnival in Suffolk. General Manager Meg Cleal said: “Life enrichment is at the heart of what we do, and the carnival was a wonderful way to celebrate together.”

A senior carer has received a prestigious ten-Year Service Award in celebration of working at Barchester Healthcare for insert ten years.

Ray, now senior care assistant, started at Barchester in November 2015 and has worked with residents and their relatives to ensure that their needs have been met over the years. 

Congratulations, Ray!
 

During Remembrance Day, on the 11th day of the 11th month, our home came together to honour and remember all those who served and sacrificed for our freedom. 
We began with a special wreath-laying ceremony in our reception area. Resident David proudly laid the wreaths made by our residents, while Sheila gave a beautiful reading of Remembrance poems that touched everyone’s hearts.
We were honoured to be joined by members of the local Royal British Legion and our nearby MOD base for a lovely lunch together — sharing memories, stories, and reflections.
In the afternoon, our Head Chef John led a wonderful reminiscing activity about wartime food, sparking conversations about rationing, recipes, and the resilience of those times.
It was a truly meaningful day filled with reflection, remembrance, and community.

The Mount Vale Knit & Natter Community are picking up their knitting needles this November to support Dementia UK, the specialist dementia nursing charity. 

The group is taking part in the November Knitting Challenge, pledging to knit every day throughout the month to raise vital funds and awareness for families affected by dementia. 

Throughout the challenge, residents, families and staff at Mount Vale will be knitting poppies, scarves and squares that will be joined together to create a beautiful Mount Vale blanket; a symbol of warmth, care and community spirit.

As part of Barchester’s ongoing commitment to move towards greener technologies, we’re happy to share that our home has now installed solar panels.

We're committed to creating a greener, more sustainable future for our residents, colleagues and our local community. By harnessing the power of the sun, we're not only reducing our carbon footprint but also ensuring a brighter, cleaner environment for everyone.

Join us in celebrating this step towards more eco-friendly living.
 

Resident, Stan had always wanted to revisit his place of work, Greyleys Jersey Dairies in Elvington near York, so staff at the home made his birthday wish a reality, proving the old adage, it’s never too late.

Stan has lived at Stamford Bridge for over a year and is beloved by staff and residents alike. Staff at the home were delighted to be a part of making his birthday wish come true, as they knew how much it meant to him, and they all wanted to be there to see the smile on Stam’s face when his surprise was realised.

Staff have been dedicated to helping him achieve it. Stan was able to reconnect with the herd of cows he looked after whilst working at the diary and was able to see several newborn calves only two days old.  Stan’s former colleagues were delighted to see him and served a delicious spread of home-made cakes accompanied by a cup of his favourite Yorkshire tea in his old mug!  It was an emotional visit and Stan was delighted to catch up with his former colleagues.
 

One of our nurses has received a prestigious Long Service Award in celebration of working at Barchester Healthcare for twenty years.

Ida Juliao, now a registered nurse, started at Barchester in 2005 and has worked with residents and their relatives to ensure that their needs have been met over the years.

Rachael Moss, General Manager, said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating twenty years of loyal service to Ida. She has demonstrated her dedication and loyalty to this home and its residents year after year. I speak for all of us here at Mulberry Court when I say that I’m looking forward to many more years of working with Ida.
 

Local historian and founder of Our History Explored, Mr Chris Berendt, gave a fascinating historical presentation about the Battle of Towton 1461, the most deadly battle ever on English soil and one of the most pivotal moments of the 15th century Wars of the Roses - the war which inspired the TV show 'Game of Thrones'. Mr Berendt brought in a selection of medieval weapons and armour pieces from the period, for residents to hold and look at. Activities Coordinator, Neil, even roleplayed as a medieval knight from the battle!

Upton Bay Residents, Family, and Friends enjoyed a wonderful singing session with Sally.

She delighted us with Wartime Melodies, 50s & 60s favourites, and some beloved Family Classics.

Lots of singing along.  A truly lovely time was had by all.